Overview

The most common approaches in Religious Studies are anthropological, sociological, historical, philological, and philosophical. In many cases, more than one method is used to illuminate a religion or a religious issue. Other approaches may include aesthetics and economics.

Thus, the field is identified in terms of its subject matter, religion, and not the disciplinary approach used by scholars. Within the field, understanding is seen to precede criticism, with critical discussions of religious beliefs and traditions developing once understanding has been achieved. This program is offered at the at the University of Calgary.

Outcomes

Former students have become academics, teachers, social workers, hospital chaplains, journalist and human relations professionals some have even entered the diplomatic service. A PhD in religious studies is usually considered a final degree.

Programme Structure

Completing this program:

Courses: Topics include Western religions, Eastern religions, the nature of religion and advanced critical discourses in the study of religion.
Language: Students demonstrate reading knowledge of at least two languages other than English prior to the candidacy examination.
Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
Colloquium Course: Students participate in a PhD departmental colloquium.
Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

PTE Academic

59

TOEFL^® IBT

86

Credits

15 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies View 13 other PhDs in Theology and Religious Studies in Canada

Academic requirements

GPA

3.5

English requirements

PTE Academic

59

TOEFL^® IBT

86

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Calgary and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

GPA

A minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

Minimum education

A degree comparable to the University of Calgary Religious Studies Master of Arts.

Work samples

A sample of written work (e.g. a recent research essay).

Reference letters

Two

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

5604 CAD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 2802 CAD per semester during 48 months.
National

2402 CAD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 1201 CAD per semester during 48 months.

fees per term

Living costs for Calgary

1247 - 1953 CAD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Loading

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Religious Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About